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Petite Sirah

Very full-bodied red

Petite Sirah: taste & food pairing

Say it: puh-TEET sih-RAH · Also called Durif

Inky, powerful and anything but petite: blueberry, black pepper and dark chocolate with massive tannin. A barbecue and braise wine.

BodyLightFull
SweetnessDrySweet
AciditySoftCrisp
TanninSmoothGrippy
AlcoholLowHigh
Tastes likeblueberry, blackberry, black pepper, dark chocolate, plum
Alcohol14-15.5%
Serve at60-65°F (16-18°C)
GlassLarge red glass
Decant?Yes
What to payFrom $12

Petite Sirah (Durif in France and Australia) is a cross of Syrah and an old grape called Peloursin. Its small berries make inky, tannic, powerful wines: a California specialty that’s often great value.

Best food with Petite Sirah

MeatBBQ ribs Zinfandel · Syrah / Shiraz · Petite Sirah MeatSteak Cabernet Sauvignon · Malbec · Syrah / Shiraz MeatBeef stew & braises Syrah / Shiraz · Cabernet Sauvignon · Nebbiolo (Barolo) MeatBurgers Zinfandel · Malbec · Syrah / Shiraz

How it tastes

Blueberry and blackberry with black pepper, plum and dark chocolate. Tannin is high, color nearly black.

Food it loves

Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, short ribs and hearty stews. The richer the food, the softer the wine feels.

Tip

It’s often blended into Zinfandel to add color and structure. If you like big Zin or Australian Shiraz, try a bottle.

Where it’s grown

California (Lodi, Napa, Paso Robles) Australia Israel

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If you like Petite Sirah, try…

Full-bodied redSyrah / Shiraz blackberry · blueberry · black pepper · smoked meat · olive Bold, fruity redZinfandel blackberry jam · raspberry · black pepper · cinnamon · dried fig Full-bodied redMalbec plum · blackberry · cocoa · violet · sweet tobacco Full-bodied redCabernet Sauvignon blackcurrant · black cherry · cedar · tobacco · vanilla (from oak)